Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II Review

True breakthrough products are rare in consumer electronics and perhaps even more rare in the digital camera space. The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 was one of those rare products that caught the attention of casual photographers, enthusiasts and critics alike. It successfully fitted a large 1”-type sensor into a compact camera so inconspicuous that without knowing otherwise, a casual observer would assume it to be a point-and-shoot like any other. Unassuming to the eye, it succeeded in pulling off an impressive trick - delivering excellent image quality from a truly pocketable camera.

Now Sony has introduced the RX100 II, sold as a sister model to the existing camera. A new, back-illuminated 20MP sensor (the largest BSI chip we've yet encountered), gives a claimed 40% improvement in low-light sensitivity, which Sony says will allow the RX100 II to focus faster in low light than its predecessor, as well, of course, as producing cleaner high-ISO images.

Meanwhile, the camera's enthusiast appeal is bolstered by the addition of a Multi-Interface hot shoe, allowing use of external flashguns or, significantly, accessories such as an electronic viewfinder. The rear screen also now tilts up and down, which makes the RX100 II more flexible to use and more at ease in bright light. Impressively, Sony achieved this while adding just 2mm to the camera's depth - so it retains its pocketable prowess. The RX100 II has a list price of $750 - $100 more than that of the original RX100.

Key Features:

1"-type Exmor-R BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8mm, 3:2 aspect ratio)

20.2 million effective pixels

28-100mm (equiv), f/1.8-4.9 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens

Steady-Shot image stabilization

ISO 160-12,800 (Down to ISO 100 and to 25,600 expanded)

NFC-mediated Wi-Fi allowing file transfer and control from smartphones

Rear control dial and customizable front control ring

10fps continuous shooting in 'Speed Priority' mode

Tiltable 3" 1.2M-dot 'WhiteMagic' LCD screen

13 Picture Effects (33 with variations)

Memory Recall feature can store up to three groups of custom settings

1080p60 video, (AVCHD) with MP4 option (50p in PAL regions)

Built-in stereo microphones

330-shot battery life (CIPA)

The RX100 II also manages to find room to include Wi-Fi capabilities that can be set-up using near field communication (NFC) if you have a smartphone that supports it. Those of us without NFC in our mobile devices will have to set the Wi-Fi up manually. The RX100 II's video capabilities have also been expanded, with the camera now offering the ability to capture 1080p footage at 24 frames per second, in addition to the 60p and 30p the current RX100 offers (50p/25p on European models). Sony now offers a filter adapter for the RX100 II and its predecessor, a $30 accessory that makes it possible to use 49mm filters with either camera.

Following on the heels of a hit

The RX100 was well received by consumers, and when we reviewed it last year it earned a Silver Award (mainly in response to user interface concerns). It wasn't just another enthusiast compact camera, it was truly a stunning piece of engineering. Now, the pricier RX100 II promises better low light performance, faster auto focus and the option to add a viewfinder/flash/remote trigger.

With the RX100 still on the market (and selling for a more-attractive $600 in the U.S. and £549 in the U.K.) do the RX100 II's additions and improvements make it worth the extra investment? If a tilting screen and the ability to use accessories aren't deal-makers, does the image quality justify its expense? Read our full analysis.

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Comments

Few cameras in this class hold their price as well RX100s do, I saw a beat up original RX100 seller still wanted nearly 300 U.S for it. If they ever make a weather proof one they will have achieved the perfect travel camera.In many countries today it is hard to travel with lots of equipment and clear customs. Some third world countries greatly restrict recording devices Cuba comes to mind.The RX100 will handle 90% of your needs and fits in your pocket out of sightI thought the overall score was too low to me it is closer to 85% or more.

Someone Pleae help me. My budget does allow me either RX100 or RX100 MK2. I am very confused. I don't much care (or interested in WiFi/hotshoe or tilting screen). I'm only interested in low light image quality. Though Sony claims that backlight illuminated sensor improves the quality by 40% but I have read enough reviews and comments from existing users saying MK2 is not that better than oroginal RX100 MK I. Some even saying that MK1 is better than MK2. Can someone please please help me make the decision. Should I get RX100 or go for MK2.

Check the studio tool to get your own opinion. I dont think it will be a huge difference. If there is any difference you will have to check at pixel level. No way you will earn a stop. What it's not good at 3200 in rx100mk 1 it will not be good at rx100 mk2.To earn low light, go to a bigger sensor (Panasonic gf7?)

rx100II , It's tacking me, a little time getting used to the camera. I've had it 1 month now, and this camera is my introduction back, after many a year hiatus , when I shot with a Pentax spotmatic II screw on lenses. Love the camera suits my needs, fits in my pocket, takes great pictures.

I recently discovered that my RX100 II clock runs fast, it gains a whole minute per month! This is a huge problem for me (especially before I discovered it) because I geocode my pictures after the fact by means of GPX files from my GPS - everything hinges on the camera being set to the right time - and keeping accurate time.

Hi- I have RX100 II. I am desperately wondering if any body has faced the problem of random photos being read as "unsupported image format" on the computer? They are also blacked out on the camera too.I followed any advice on deleting all photos on camera and formatting the card, but it happened again.This malign problem has ruined at least half of my photos. The worst part is that you don't know which files will be like this or will luckily be saved as a healthy one.Please give any tip that would address this headache.

Hi- I'm new to photography and bought the Sony RX100 II. This is probably a question that is opposite of most people. Everytime I shoot a macro potrait photo , the background is blurred. How do I unblur the background? What sort of setting can I use?

I like the background defocus for extreme close-up shots, but sometimes i want the background to show up to. Please let me know how to change the settings?

I owed one. It intermittently vibrates and makes a buzzing noise when turned on. When this happens, I immediately turn it off and on again, usually this stops the vibration/hum. A search on the internet suggests that this is a problem for many Sony cameras, not just the rx-100 II.

Got mine brand new for a really nice price as shops are getting rid of the 'old' stock. How many times did the review mention "shooting experience"-? It made me giggle. Personally, I get my kicks from the stuff I see uploaded on the screen.Well, to each and every one of the reasons for choosing a camera are personal. I was looking for something pocketable to produce 'acceptable' picture quality. (5D III gives me all the "shooting experience" I want and a discal hernia on the deal).

On the negative side: The box had a very cheap feel to it and the manual is of no help at all. does But there are Kindle version guides for sale on Amazon at 10 dollars. Money well spent. An extra battery and an external charger are still on my shopping list and a protective case.

If this thing lasts in outdoors use is a question to be answered. Then again, I can buy a new one for the price of repairing a Canon L lens....

It's appropriate for a review to mention something like the clicks, or lack of them, with the wheel. That's a design decision Sony made, to do with video use partly, that you can feel one way or another about. I see that.

RX-100 II owners have lots of opinions about how to use the 7 Fn slots, where to put the Drive modes, and so on. If you've spent time with a camera you develop a sense of how it really works in those ways. This particular review, telling us the back command wheel is "slightly under-used," (what? you use it for everything!) reads like our writer hasn't done the homework.

The shoddy manual is a much more legitimate criticism. None of the Sony manuals come close to the third-party books out there. They phoned that in, and they should be called on that. The lack of an intervelometer, or of solid support for PlayMemories, are substantial points. Reviews miss that stuff about this camera, and obsess on the ring.

I am on the point of buying one of these cameras but need a wireless remote control (not smartphone based!) so that clients can operate it remotely over a long period. To my abject amazement nobody makes one that is compatible with new sony multi connector! Can anybody correct me on this? I hope that I am wrong.. but I can't find a solution.. thanks

You might want to ask the TriggerTrap people. They've only just come out with the Rx-100 II compatible version of their product, and while it's mainly driven off a smart phone dongle, the whole thing is pretty extensible. (You can use TriggerTrap with hackable arduino kit, for example, to have your robot take pictures.)

The TriggerTrap Ada product they're about to come out with seems like a physical trigger of some kind, too.

Hmmm...I am not Sony lover but just visited the review because I like reading about cameras. And....compared the dynamic range but not between the selected cameras as in this review but also between them and some of the FF DSLR and leading mirror less- stuff and I am kind of shocked: the latest small sensor are just well comparable to the big boys! You can argue than one is still better by one stop or something but hey, the winners are not obvious. Check yourself!

I've heard the RX100 M2 is not really so much better in low light as the first model. I currently own the RX100 and am wondering if I should upgrade to RX100 M2. Anyone out there that has both? What do you guys think? Also maybe I should wait for the successor to the RX100 M2... some say possibly this summer? I would love to have the EVF, but the current one is almost as expensive as the camera itself... hope Sony releases a less expensive EVF.

I have both, the difference is not substantial. The Mk 3 is surely coming soon and surely worth waiting for. From my POV. I'm personally hoping for a wider lens (i.e. 24mm) and a wider and more uniform maximum aperture, but Sony is already evidently pushing the limits considering the camera and sensor size.

I am going to get the RX100 II simply because I can attach a viewfinder, when needed. And I have found that a viewfinder is sometimes sorely needed with the RX100, even in only modestly bright conditions. Even when setting the RX100's LCD to Sunny Day mode, a viewfinder is needed. I find the RX100 LCD is just barely bright enough in sunny conditions.

The Olympus XZ-1's high-quality VF-2 optional viewfinder is not all that large and it rides around in a case that attaches to the neck strap. It's a little inconvenient, but it is absolutely great to have, when the need arises. But of course the XZ-1's IQ just doesn't match the RX100. I suppose that goes without saying.

I would like to see a small viewfinder built in to a future design of the RX100, much like the one built into the tiny Panasonic LF-1. That would be ideal. Even if it was sub-par, since it would only be used occasionally, as needed.

Darn, I got myself the sony grip and found now it wont fit in the original casing. Am now looking for the smallest pouch possible that can fit these camera + my Samsung note 2 to attached to my waist belt.

Been searching the web, found some nice pouch but often its small enough for a compact or the pouch/bag is too large to my liking. hope forummers can direct the link for the smallest possible pouch that fits both at one time.

EDIT: I see that you want a case to fit your RX100 and another device - so my suggestion might not work. But to anyone looking for a slim, affordable case for the RX100, I would still recommend the Dashpoint 10.

I just bought one in replace of my d7000. got the d7000 as never in life had one and it was a craze to learn photography at that time but than found my shots are mainly at home or with children strolling down the park. got the x10 when the orb issue surface. sold it as its not compact enough. to lug a d7000 around a park or just cycling seems crazy.

First shot of the camera after came out of shop was night scene parade. We were taking mostly children and its sooooo difficult to get all 9 childrens to pose in one place for more than 2sec. it might not be the many contributors whom had beautiful night shots in this forum but for me am satisfied with the outcome.

as each person has different opinion when I ask around for compact, recommendation from Canon GX-1, Fuji x20/x100s, canon s120/OMD !!!

Have narrow my term of compact to either rx100II or Canon S120 and given majority of photos under dim light and after searching the web for comparison, have settled down for the rx100II.

The wifi is soooo useless !!! I tried it and all you can do is press the shutter change from video to photo and zoom.... And no setting at all !!

Let me explain :

You can't set it manually ! Even if you set up all your settings and then turn on the wifi it will still shoot in auto mode.... and the wifi range is pathétique too... I will say up to 5m (I tried taking picture with my Rx100 on my DJI phantom for a job and it lost it after less than 10m away...

I mean if Gopro does a better job with the wifi how come sony is incapable of doing so ?

This is a very good point, and goes to the more general issue of Sony's lack of significant support for the things like PlayMemories apps.

Your camera ships without an intervelometer? Firmware updates should.... Oh, they don't do those? Failing that, just plug one into the extensible application that can control it remotely! And there is such a thing, only the folks at Sony haven't tweaked it to work with their premium compact, so we're out of luck.

The inability to control any kind of settings with the Wifi shooting is just a symptom of an important support task Sony is failing to perform. They're quite unresponsive when it comes to supporting this exceptional little camera. The manual is sort of throw-away-able, actually, even on the most basic level of support.

In test scene we can see right down corner of the picture completely unsharp and on the left side is much better.It means poor quality.Right mounted lens on camera should give the same sharpness in all 4 corners.

Whatever might be causing the 'poor quality' - the alignment of the camera in the studio or the alignment of lens elements or the lenses attachment to the camera body - the result is an image quality, you can't seriously praise as 'top of its class'!

In a camera review on a german website ('dkamera') you can find the same phenomenon: They ignore the poor image quality of the RX100II compared to the RX100 (see last two images in test chapter 'Abbildungsleistung') - and give the camera the highest rating!

I'm surely no hater of Zeiss lenses as being owner of six of them. But the renowned brandname can't make me blind. That's why I haven't bought me the RX100 II I was really interested in.

Hi, I'm looking into the 100 or the 100 II. Are you saying that the image quality of the II is lower than the 100? If so do you know why that would be? Identical lens and sensor.Thanks for any advice, feedback.

Hi, RasterFarian!'Are you saying that the image quality of the II is lower than the 100?' Yes, that's how it looks! And I don't know what to think of it!

My advice: If you can do without Wi-Fi or an optional viewfinder, go for the RX100, the price of which has dropped down a lot!

Or take the equally sized Panasonic GM1 into consideration, with its bigger sensor, its praised tiny zoom lens and the option for lens changing.

Or what about the Canon G1X II (still to be launched in a few weeks), which seems to be a really versatile and capable compact camera, albeit not as compact as the RX100 II, but with a bigger sensor and with expanded zoom range? The Canon - the optional VF included - is anything but inexpensive, though.

There are no micro-4/3 cameras that come even close to having the same pocketability, since the thickness with the zoom lenses seem to be at minimum twice of RX100.

Then the zoom lens always also tend to have poor ability to capture light, like starting with F3.5. With a nice 80% larger sensor in 4/3 cameras than RX100, you'd still need at least F2.5 lens or so to match low-light capability of RX100, assuming other sensor aspects remain the same.

Yep, it seems there is a relation with focusing and sizes of sensors or lenses. But maybe nanotechnology can bring super sharp and high zoom cameras. And maybe there can high spectrum sensors including infrared or ultraviolet for example and then use it for some improvement in visual image. It is easy to imagine, but I am not sure if it is physically possible.

It was recently commented that at a given ISO of 3200, a longer exposure was needed for the Sony RX-100 II than the Fuji x20 (1/8s vs 1/15s for roughly the same f-stop).

However, since the RX-100 II "base ISO" is 160 vs the Fuji's 100, you could claim that it's expected for the ISO or exposure values to be about 2/3 different in the exact same light/exposure conditions.

Again, not really. If you set the iso 3200 on both cameras, what the "base iso" is doesn't matter. It's just 3200 for both sony and fuji. My observation was that you can't compare them on the same ISO value when the other values (F, speed) turn out to imply that sony needs to get more time, hence possibly needing a further ISO increment

I just noticed that the RX100 II overestimates ISO to the point where - being iso the same - it shoots at half speed as the Fuji X20. You can download the night shots at iso 3200 for both and check yourself: Sony is 1/8 sec f5, Fuji 1/15 f4.5. Sony shot at iso 6400 brings it at 1/15 sec (f5). Even considering the tighter aperture, sony overestimates iso more than Fuji does (2/3 stops?). In real world, this would translate as shooting at lower iso with Fuji, being the desired speed and aperture the same.It would be nice if dpReview made people notice in an OBVIOUS way on their comparison pages, that there is some iso overestimation going on for all cameras, and varying from model to model.

Doesn't make much sense, at least explained that way. I can reply that it needs more light because the sensor is bigger... if you put the same light received at the same time by a smaller sensor, distribute that amount of photons all over the bigger sensor and the photo will be darker. Hence, it captures more light because it is physically necessary for achieving the same exposure. And guess what? The sony needs in fact LONGER...

At the long end of the zoom (f1.8-4.9) the Sony will be getting less light to it's sensor compared with the Fuji and although it's sensor has more light gathering area it cannot make up the difference to the Fuji with it's brighter lens (f2.0 -2.8). Hence the Sony needs more time to gather the light and chooses a slower shutter speed.

Hi Frank. I can answer your question regarding price of the RX100 Mark II. The price of cameras are based on what they think you are prepared to pay and not cost of production. That is why manufacturers price cameras at a high price when introduced (to tempt the early adopters) and then a Dutch auction takes place over months where prices are reduced to tempt others.

Wise men say, only fools rush in.But I can't help being a born hoarder.That's the motto for early buyers.I always wait at least 6 months to buy a camera of my fancy, so I have time to see the elevation and the landing of the novelty.It's a quarantine I give to see the aps that will ensure a better performance. Usually the models bought after that period already have the aps.

don't forget that there is a cost, to being without. if you calculate the time until obsolescence as the end date of ownership, you aren't paying as much more as first appears. the trick is to finding a good balance... what are the extra 6 months of using it (in the above example) worth to you? if you think you'll keep this camera 2 years, waiting 6 months to save 25% gains you nothing. if you keep your cameras longer than that before replacing them, then it makes sense, of course.

Remember the infamous Fujifilm X10? And the hellish lapse of time before the company acknowledged the disks flop? They all were first wave buyers. I never sell my cameras. I'm a camera hoarder, and they will lay me to my final rest with all my toys. Batteries included.

china is known for shoddy, or at the very least, inconsistent, manufacturing, and they pay exploitative wages, which are reflected in their bottom line. what has this got to do with patriotism @papanatas? for me, anything coming out of a country that is half a century behind in the space race, is just a disposable consumer product not worth paying a premium for, no matter what label you slap onto it.

After looking for a compact digital with large sensor. It seems that the Lumix DMC-Lx7 seems to have the largest sensor with the best Lens . So would this make it the best one to buy for Picture quality , which is what i really want. Not sure if it has zoom , but then none of the large sensors seem to have zoom. Would cropping deliver the same results as a Sony HX50v

you're kidding, or being sarcastic, dissing the lx7 and the hx50v? otherwise you're mistaken. the lx7 has a small sensor at 1/1.7", and the hx50v has a tiny sensor at 1/2.3"the rx100ii has a 1" sensor, much much larger.

Maybe the confusing naming of sensor sizes has...er..confused him. One day we may have an understandable naming ie diagonal measurement in mm (7.2 to 43.3mm) or surface area (28 to 864 mm) or just a grading eg size 1x to 30... 1x being the smallest used in cameras (1/2.3") and 30x being "Full Frame or 35mm film size.This would make the Sony X100 a 4.1x sensor and an LX7 a 1.72x, a Fuji X20 a 2.0x, an OMD-E5 an 8.0x and Canon 70D 19.5x and a 5D 30x. The HX50V would be a 1.0x.

If you're looking for the best image quality you can produce from a shirt pocket camera that has a great deal of flexibility, then buy the RX-100. Or the RX-100II if you think the tilt LCD, WiFi, or EVF option will be useful. I've been carrying this camera around the world with me for over two years now. It's never disappointed me for compact-type camera usage. Never. That's saying a lot.

Hi Thom. I have a Nikon 7001 etc that I am about to manoeuvre to my first and last trip to Africa. I cant really afford to buy a compact camera on top of all the other bits and pieces I've forked out for but I think it will be an essential extra for impromptu people shots and twilight walks. (I am 70 and arthritic) A Sony RX 100 seems the way to go but low light shooting and wide angle may be important on these occasions . Just how much better is the mark II for low light shots.? Would really appreciate your opinion.

The review, last page, says "...would you be better off saving some money and buying the now-discounted RX100 instead? That depends. If a slightly-less-noisy ISO 3200 JPEG is worth an extra $150 to you, then the RX100 II will be the better investment. If you can live with a little more noise, don't care much for a tilting LCD and don't plan to use Wi-Fi sharing, then you're better off with an RX100".

I think I'll go for the RX100 as I only usually shoot in daylight and the shop will through in a free ever-ready case.

From the review: "Overall, the RX100 II is virtually untouchable in its compact camera class".

And they still found it appropriate to give it a Silver Award? Pretty incredible really. I thought for sure when the RX100 II was reviewed, DPR would correct its earlier "Silver Award" slip up for the original RX100 by giving the II a much deserved highest rating.

The only other camera that I can remember that so obviously led its class in pretty much every area and still received "only" a Silver Award was the D7000. Not really a complaint as I don't own either camera just an observation.

I really like the fact that the hotshoe allows me to attach the small Sony bounce flash to the camera when taking photographs of friends in unlighted spaces. I am pleased I traded up from the RX 100. Of all my cameras this is the one I use the most because I always have it with me.

The pop-up flash in the RX100 can be tilted up (with a finger) to become a bounce flash, and I've been very pleased with the ability of my RX100 to shoot portraits without adding external flash gear. I assume the RX100II flash will also tilt. Agree completely that a camera that's small and light enough to have with you at all times can be more valuable than a "better" camera that you don't bring because of bulk and weight.

has anyone tested it's "dust gathering" capabilities? My original RX100 had a dusty sensor within a few days, maybe not at Nikon D600 level, but it was still annoying to shoot a blue sky at higher aperture and see blue blobs.

I have an RX100 Mk II, and had sensor dust within two weeks. I've just received it back from having returned it for cleaning, tested it on the sky, and there is still dust - well, a different, small spot in a different location. To replace the RC as my "every day carry" camera, I bought a second-hand OM-D E-M5 which is an altogether more interesting, fun, and competent camera (although significantly larger, of course). As soon as the RX is fixed, I'll be listing it on eBay. Maybe I'm fussy, but I find sensor dust on a non-interchangeable lens camera to be a total deal-breaker.

I have this camera. It's pretty terrific. My favorite feature is the articulating screen. Coupling this with its small size and non-threatening appearance makes it the perfect street camera. I typically hold it at chest or waist level and shoot it looking down at the screen. This makes me essentially invisible and able to get great shots. It's easy to get shots 90 degrees left or right of me by turning the camera, and even behind me by holding it to my side and turning it to face back.

My other cam is a Nikon D7000 with a nice array of lenses. Great, but definitely not able to get the same level of candid street shots because it gets noticed. If I had to keep only one? Don't ask! It's like asking me to choose which of my kids is my favorite.

Now than Oly has released its Stylus1, it is high time for Sony to respond by equipping RX100 with a built-in EVF (and possibly a slightly wider and/or longer zoom, as far as camera size does not exceed 400-450 grs.) !! A viewfinder is vital for ... 'grown-up' travellers, finding it highly un-practical having to wear glasses each time they need to see details on a darned small screen in a sunny day.Of course, RX100's sensor is much larger than Stylus1's. Nonetheless, a long-sighted person will rather sacrifice some IQ (and some high-ISO performance) than the possibility to SEE all camera info when shooting. As to external (add-on) VFs, they are not a viable option for a traveller's camera !You, camera-makers! Can't you see that MOST travellers are aged over 45 ??

I'd like to see the % of the under 45 market who own a camera other than the one on their phone, how old that camera is and how often the upgrade that purchase.

Ignoring the "grown up" market is stupid.

They have the money and they have more specific needs (visual acuity & dials-not touch screens) and are willing to pay handsomely for it. Developing a camera that suits the 45+ crowd is a lot smarter than trying to convert the twenty something to upgrade to a camera other than the one that's on their phone.

I hope they keep the RX series SMALL. Add EVF/OVF, more zoom all all the other internet wish-lists might ruin what is already special. Small size and larger point and shoot sensor made the RX100 different. I hope that doesn't change.

Had a look at the Stylus 1. Great to handle and excellent viewfinder but the IQ is a little worse than the ZX-2 due to the longer zoom having quite a bit of distortion ( looking at the reviews now on the web).It is also a little large. Make me think why not just have an EM-5 and a couple of lenses but I DO see the point of this camera.A near equivalent is the Sony RX10 but as the sensor is much larger so too is the lens and therefore the whole rig.

Am I the only one who finds a rear screen almost useless in bright outdoor light? If this camera or the Pana GM1 had a good EVF (and either a smaller screen or a little larger size to accommodate it) would not everyone who walks and shoots outside want one? I know I would. Who will be the first manufacturer to sell to every hiker on the planet?

Personally, I have not had a problem with the RX100II's screen. I leave mine at Auto, so it adjusts to ambient light levels. There is an option in the menu settings for "Sunny Weather", as well as "Manual". Along with the tilt screen, that should cover most people's needs nicely.

You can also get an excellent Sony EVF to go with the RX100II. Too expensive if you don't need it, but good value if the absence of one bothers you. I like that it is an add on, so that the majority who don't need it can still enjoy the smaller size with large screen.

Given the price of this camera (and its optional electronic viewfinder) it is a crime that Sony doesn't provide a printed real (vs. Quick Start) manual for the camera. There is also no CD with the manual or other software disc included with the camera. And, the Web-based version of the manual is a pain to read - it's all topline topics only and requires clicking to expand any given topic. There is just no facility for the speed and ease of flipping back and forth b/wn manual pages that there would be with a printed, with decent sized font (geared to the eyesight of middle-aged people who can afford the blankety blank camera) manual. For such a complex camera that is so feature rich, a printed manual is a must!

Same here. Put Gary Friedman's RX100 M2 ebook on my phone for easy reference anywhere. Great explanation of all the wonderful features of this magic camera. It really pays to take the time and learn about it in great detail. The more I use this camera, the more I like it.

So, no gold eh? Oh well, still an awesome camera - one would hope the price might come down with only silver (haha). Anyway - I am not a pro, but I love taking pics... so, since I ended up not even using the Canon DSLR package I've got... I bought the RX100II AND the RX1R from here - best prices are constantly updated here (and the writer is cute), so I finally got the other one as well: http://www.squidoo.com/sony-dsc-rx100-ii-review) and sold my DSLR. For a lot of photographers, I don't think these Sony compacts can replace their set-ups, but for me, they do. And they do it well too.

Does anyone know if Sony has managed to improve the locking mechanism of the battery door ? It´s all safe in even when the door is open but it´s annoying and I have the fear to break it while moving in and out of the pocket.

The tilting screen alone (not on the first model) will make the job of shooting at events so much easier. I find myself using the screen also tilted up; allowing easy waist level shooting.

The back illuminated sensor should also help with lower light conditions and the multi-interface hotshoe allows for a better mic to be attached. The added WiFi may come in useful for use on location too.

I would like to comment on the click-less ring. I would like it for zooming better than one with click detents. I have a Canon SX-100 that I remotely control the focal length with. I am stuck with settings of 24, 28, 35, 50, 85, 100 and 120mm. If you look at the angular field coverage at each step, you find large gaps between some, and almost duplicates with others.

I would much rather have it infinitely variable.

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Also with all of these cameras, be aware when comparing the extremes in focal lengths, you take into effect the aspect ratio of the final work you expect to do. The sensor in my SX-100 is .75:1 (close to an 8x10 for instance). If you make prints close to this, and you use a camera with a 2:3 ratio, like the RX-100, what looks like a Wide Angle view of 28 mm becomes more like 30 mm. You wind up cropping quite a bit off of the ends of the image.

Starting October 1st, Getty Images will no longer accept images in which the models have been Photoshopped to "look thinner or larger." The change was made due to a French law that requires disclosure of such images.

A court ruling our of Newton, Massachusetts has set an important legal precedent for drone pilots: federal drone laws will now trump local drone regulations in situations where the two are in conflict.

macOS High Sierra came out today, but if you use a Wacom tablet you need to wait a few weeks before you upgrade. According to Wacom, they won't have a compatible driver ready for you until "late October."

Vitec, the company that owns popular accessory maker Manfrotto, has just acquired JOBY and Lowepro for a cool $10.3 million in cash. The acquisition adds JOBY and Lowepro to Vitec's already sizable collection of camera gear brands.

A veteran photojournalist, Rick Wilking secured a spot in the path of totality for the August solar eclipse. While things didn't quite pan out as predicted, an unexpected subject in the sky and a quick reaction made for a once-in-a-lifetime shot.